“A Lot of People Who Crushed Kaepernick for Kneeling Are Putting Provorov on a Pedestal”: Colin Kaepernick Fans Express Harsh Dissent After NHL Star Ivan Provorov’s Recent Comments Go Viral

The Philadelphia Flyers strive to be inclusive and support the LGBTQ+ community. And as is the tradition, they planned to host their Pride Night games this year too. However, their defenseman, Ivan Provorov, refused to wear an LGBTQ Pride jersey during the team’s warm-ups. He received a lot of support and criticism from many people. Some even dragged the NFL star player and activist Colin Kaepernick into the discussion. 

This happened during a warmup of a pregame. Even though Provorov did not wear the team-sanctioned attire, the team allowed him to play in the game. Numerous fans on the internet were upset that the Russian player was let off easy compared to the when former San Francisco 49ers QB took the knee. 

What happened when Colin Kaepernick revolted?

To protest against police brutality and racial injustice against African American in the U.S.A., the second-round pick of the 2011 NFL draft sat during the playing of the national anthem in 2016. Then he knelt to it. As the 2016 season progressed, other NFL joined the movement.

The movement gained a lot of traction and pulled reactions and criticisms alike. While former president Barack Obama defended him, Donald Trump criticized him. When the 35-year-old failed to sign with any team after he hit free agency, he filed a formal grievance and accused team owners of keeping him out of the league.

Read more: “I Couldn’t Keep My Mouth Shut”: Leading Britney Griner and Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem Controversy Once Cost Shaquille O’Neal’s Teammate Millions

Therefore, Kaep became a figure of contention for many. However, in 2020, after the death of George Floyd, the commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, issued an apology in his favor.

Fans believe that the former QB was wronged

There were many fans who reacted to Provorov’s decision. Some fans respected the 26-year-old’s decision while others did not like how Kaepernick was slammed for doing something he believed in. 

Flyers coach John Torotorella said that he would not bench Provorov and supports his beliefs and decisions. “With Provy, he’s being true to himself and to his religion.” 

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